NFL mock draft: A look at the first round

Here are my projections for Thursday night's first-round of the NFL draft in New York City (which doesn't take into account potential trades, which will throw this entire sequence out of whack). I'll be hosting an online chat later Monday to discuss some of these picks and other NFL news:

1. Chiefs: OT Luke Joeckel (Texas A & M). Alex Smith's new team will come with a new blindside protector.

3. Raiders: OT Eric Fisher (Central Michigan). If the Raiders truly want to mimic the 49ers' rebuilding, they'll fortify the line, and Fisher's alma mater is the same as 49ers left tackle Joe Staley's.

In this Dec. 26, 2012, file photo, Central Michigan offensive linesman Eric Fisher gets set at the line to during the first quarter of the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl NCAA college football game against Western Kentucky at Ford Field in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

12. Dolphins: CB Xavier Rhodes (Florida State). Drafting thisFloridanative will take the sting off losing a Super Bowl-host bid to the Bay Area next month.

13. Jets: G Jonathan Cooper (North Carolina). The Jets acquired this pick from the Buccaneers for Darrelle Revis, and Cooper's task is to prevent more Mark Sanchez follies.

24. Colts: DT Datone Jones (UCLA). This pass rusher is a must-get as the Colts move on from the Dwight Freeney era.

25. Vikings: DT Jesse Williams (Alabama). Can he emerge into a Pro Bowl defensive tackle the way Pat Williams and Kevin Williams did with the Vikings?

26. Packers: S Matt Elam (Florida). Charles Woodson's successor must be caught up to speed fast for the season opener in San Francisco.

In this Feb. 25, 2013 file photo, SMU defensive lineman Margus Hunt runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Hunt, of Estonia, could be a first round draft pick in the NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File)